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Southeastern Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
God's work. Our hands. 


E-News Weekly

Issue: #353

January 16, 2013

In This Issue
Presiding Bishop in Tennessee
Reflections on the King I Met
New Year Reminders
Ordinations & Installations
Help Us Name the E-News
Rural Ministry Conference
Artwork Resource
Church Innovations
Lutheran Night at the Gladiators
Synod Youth Page
Lutheridge + Lutherock
LVC Highlight
MLK Opportunities
Around the Synod
Around the Globe
Quick Links

Synod Blog 

Synod Website 

Synod Staff 

ELCA News Service 

ELCA Website

Presiding Bishop Preaches in Tennessee

ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson was in Nashville, TN from January 11 through January 13. On Saturday he participated in a worship service at Christ Lutheran Church in Nashville (featured in this video) which concluded the third of four meetings of area church leaders who are interested in facilitating conversations among Christians across cultures. These conversations are part of the ELCA Southeastern Synod's strategy to refocus its ministry throughout its four states (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee) by intentional mission planning and conversations in communities in which it has congregations or in which new ministries might be developed. Other such conversations are being planned in Savannah, GA and Ocean Springs, MS.

 

In addition to his visit to Christ Lutheran, Bishop Hanson also preached at worship services in St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, TN on Sunday and participated in a question and answer session between services. 

 

Congregations, clusters or conferences interested in learning more about how congregational mission planning and Talking Together Cross-Culturally might benefit local ministry should contact Southeastern Synod Directors of Evangelical Mission Dr. Everett Flanigan or Diaconal Minister Rebecca Kolowe in the synod office. 

Reflections on the King I Met
By Dr. Everett Flanigan
Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop

It has been a long while since that telephone call came into our home. It came on a typical April afternoon in Atlanta; cool in the morning, warm, almost hot during the day, and cool again in the evenings and nights. My sister and I were high school students. An older brother was a sophomore at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University). Mother and Daddy had been very uneasy during that time, for our brother, the college sophomore, had been arrested and jailed during a wave of sit-ins at a lunch counter of an Atlanta department store. Hundreds of students were in jail, and our parents were more than troubled, both for their safety and wellbeing, and concerned about their college studies, since the spring semester was fast coming to a close.

 

More cars than usual drove our house, with the drivers stopping to stare, leaving us somewhat un-nerved. The Atlanta Journal and Constitution had published the names and addresses of the students who were arrested. And so the phone calls came. We were reluctant to answer the phone because some of the calls were obscene and others called out threats to our lives and to our home. Mother and Daddy were still at work so I answered the phone. The voice on the other end of the phone identified themselves as a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. "Dr. King wants to invite you to a meeting for a conversation about your son who

was arrested last week. Can you come?" I asked if they would call back to speak with my parents, in about 2 hours. They did....

 

Read the rest of these reflections on our blog


New Year, New ID Cards, and Other New Year Reminders

Last week new ID cards were mailed to all rostered leaders.  ID cards contain your Leader's Key, a unique identifying number used by the Office of Secretary for each rostered leader in our ELCA. Please remember to sign it and put it in your wallet or another place for safe keeping.
 
Reports Due February 15! 
 
Send Your Congregational (Parochial) Report: It is the responsibility of the pastor of each congregation to see that this report is completed and submitted. This annual report is necessary to keep accurate records on congregational, synodical, and churchwide levels.  In addition, these statistics are used to determine the number of votes each synod may have at Churchwide Assembly.  Click here for information and instructions on submitting your report. If you need additional assistance in submitting this report, please contact the synod office.
 
Send Your Rostered Leaders Report:  All rostered leaders who are not retired should complete this report annually.  In order to do so, please be certain that the latest version of Formatta Filler is installed on your computer. Click here for more information and to access the report. Once completed, please email them to  [email protected] or you can send a copy to Southeastern Synod Office. 
 
Send Your 2013 Statement of Intent Form: The 2013 Mission Support Statement of Intent forms are now available in both English and Spanish on the new synod website. Click here to access the forms. Please fill out and submit your 2013 forms as soon as possible. 
 
Health Assessment

It's that time of the year again: Portico Health Assessment. Not only does this program remind us of the need to be good stewards of our health for the sake of our ministries, but ELCA employers (congregations, seminaries, other organizations) earn a 2% discount on their health contribution payments if 65% or more of the ELCA-primary plan members and eligible spouses take the online Mayo Clinic Health Assessment between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2013.  It only takes 10-20 minutes and you get $150 in wellness dollars just for taking the assessment! Plus, if you do the follow-up activities, you can earn even more wellness dollars!  Click here to get started. Last year, for the first time, we made our goal in the Southeastern Synod. Let's make it two in a row!

  
Upcoming Ordinations and Installations

Installations, ordinations and commissionings are important events in our synodical life together. We will begin providing dates for these events as they become available and encourage you to make plans to attend and participate as you are able. As these events draw closer, invitations with additional details will also be posted through our e-news distribution list. 
 
The Rev. Rick Ohsiek will be installed as Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Maryville, TN, this Sunday, January 20, at 4:00 p.m. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. A reception will follow the installation service. 

Laura Jane Shally will be ordained at Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfield Glade, TN on Friday, February 16 at 1:00 p.m.

The Rev. John Barichivish will be installed as Mission Developer at Faith Lutheran Church in Warner Robins, GA on Saturday, February 9 at 2:00 p.m.  
 
The Rev. Nancy Christensen will be installed as Associate Pastor at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, Chamblee, GA on February 17.
  
Website and E-News Changes: Help Us Name the E-News!

If you have visited the Southeastern Synod 
website in the last couple of weeks, then you have noticed that it looks a bit different.  The Synod Staff are in the process of making changes to it so that it is easier for us to use and manage and so that it is easier for visitors to find what they need and to make connections with one another.  Changes will continue to be made gradually over the next couple of months.  In the meantime, if you experience any problems with it or cannot find something you are looking for, please contact Michelle Angalet or Abby Koning in the Synod Office.
 
In addition, our weekly E-news will be undergoing some significant changes in the near future.  As we look to roll-out a newly formatted electronic newsletter, we invite you to help us give it a name.  Now through January 31, please send us your suggestions for a name for our Southeastern Synod E-news.  Entries can be submitted to Michelle Angalet. We can't wait to hear your ideas!  

Continuing Education: 32nd Annual Rural Ministry Conference

The Center for Theology & Land at Wartburg Theological Seminary hosts the annual Rural Ministry Conferences that have been held in Dubuque since 1982. Each year's conference addresses issues and themes pertinent to the well-being of rural communities and the ministry of rural churches. This year's theme is Food and Faith. Keynote speaker is Dr. Norman Wirzba, Research Professor of Theology, Ecology, and Rural Life at Duke Divinity School and Research Professor at Duke's Nicholas School for the Environment. He is also the author of Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating. The conference will include worship, keynote speakers, workshops, and Bible study, and offer participants a unique opportunity to network with others who are active in and concerned about rural ministry. Presenters come from a variety of denominations. Learn more here.


Useful Artwork Resource

The portrait on the left depicts Luther as an Augustinian monk, debating the pope, a cardinal, a bishop, and another monk at the Diet of Worms in 1521. This and other historical pieces of Reformation artwork are available through the Digital Image Archive. The Digital Image Archive is a useful source for artwork that illustrates passages from the Bible, provides portraits of Luther, Melanchthon and other reformers, and much more. It includes thousands of images and is searchable by keyword or Scripture text, and is available to all without charge through the Pitts Theological Library at Emory University. Visit the archive here
 
Opportunities with Church Innovations

Church Innovations is a non-profit organization devoted to renewing the Church's focus on God's mission in the world. Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and wholly committed to following God's leading for every congregation, Church Innovations provides research and consulting tools, products and processes that increase your church's capacities to experience God's renewal and transformation. See below for upcoming opportunities offered through Church Innovations. 

2013 International Dwelling in the Word Festival

 
Perhaps you've heard about Dwelling in the Word. You want to learn this practice of deep listening to God's Word and one another. Or you've learned Dwelling in the Word and even led it in a group. You know that it is fun, profound, and engaging. But you're wondering "Have I reached the limit of the practice?" "Have I reached my limit as a participant or leader of Dwelling?" or even "Am I all alone?"

 

There's hope! Hope in the living power of God in this practice of Dwelling, hope for new and fresh approaches, and hope from people in all corners of the world who Dwell, as you do, in their local churches and communities! Come and join us.

 

Come and Dwell in the Word with folks from many countries, many perspectives, and many histories. We will build a giant shared imagination together at the International Dwelling in the Word Festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 14-16, 2013. We want to hold a place for you to come and be filled and empowered to Dwell in the Word in vibrant new ways. Over a single weekend, refresh and energize one another as we share our stories and learn from folks who are Dwelling in the Word in diverse circumstances. Soak it up, enjoy one another, and take Dwelling to new levels.

 

Dates: 4:00 pm Friday June 14 - 1:00 p.m. Sunday June 16, 2013 

 

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota  

 

Cost: Early registration fee is $249 if you register now through March 31, 2013
 (registration fee after March 31 is $299)
 

RegistrationClick here to visit the registration page.  

 

Questions: More details are available on the main 2013 International Dwelling in the Word Festival pageIf you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Caroline Acosta at Church Innovations at 651-644-3653 or 888-223-7909

 

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July Retreats at Yellowstone National Park

 

 

 

Church Innovations is happy to invite you to join any or all of our three small groups convened by Pat Keifert at Yellowstone National Park in July: Thriving in Change, Dwelling in the Word, and Standing at the Crossroads. You may register for one or more of them according to your interests and schedule. Visit the Church Innovations website for details and instructions on how to register. This year's retreats are: 

Thriving in Change: Experience, understand, and adopt a tested process for your congregation to practice deep listening to God, one another, and your neighbor through Dwelling in the Word, exploring an important issue, and building skills for listening and conversation that create time and space for God to be part of your church's life and decision-making. Monday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 17. Click here for more information.

Dwelling in the Word: Experience, understand, and adopt for your leadership a tested process for deep listening to God, one another, and your neighbor. Live into a Bible passage during three days as you retreat with Pat Keifert and other leaders and see how the habit shapes your group's imagination and vision for God's mission. Through personal reflection, group interaction, and exploring Yellowstone Park, learn how practicing this habit can make a real difference in your life and work. Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21. Click here for more information. 

Standing at the Crossroads: If you find yourself and your congregation asking whether you have a future, you may find hope and direction in this three day retreat with Pat Keifert and Bob Armstrong, introducing the concepts and practices of the process "Standing at the Crossroads" developed by Church Innovations in cooperation with Synod of the Trinity. Tuesday, July 23 through Thursday, July 25. Click here for more information. 

 


Lutheran Night at the Gladiators

 
Gwinnett Gladiators vs. Evansville Ice Men
7:05 p.m.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
The Arena at Gwinnett Center

Although it's not at the Colosseum in Ancient Rome, come watch this epic clash in nearby Duluth as the Gwinnett Gladiators take on the Evansville Ice Men in a game of minor-league hockey on Saturday, February 9 at 7:05 p.m.

The proceeds from this event will benefit  Lutheran Services of Georgia's Refugee Services. Moreover, the Metro Atlanta Chapters of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide matching funds for a portion of each ticket sold. LSG resettled 399 refugees in 2012; help us give support to the 525 refugees whom we plan to welcome in 2013!

To purchase your tickets for $15, please fill out this form and mail it to Tom Condon, 3430 Stately Oaks Ln, Duluth, GA 30097.

Updates on the Synod Youth Page

Affirm Registration Now Open!

 
Affirm is the Southeastern Synod's Summer Event! This year's Affirm is June 16-21, 2013 at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. What makes Affirm unique from other camps is that we meet on a college campus and stay in college dorms. We start our days with Morning Chapel and end our days with Worship. We spend about 6 hours a day in our large and small groups, called Units. We have community activities scheduled during the week all over the campus including a concert, talent show, volleyball, and swimming just to list a few. All of our staff volunteer their time to this event. Many take a week off from work to share their faith with our youth. Some of our staff are grown-up participants, some are parents, some are youth directors and leaders in their congregation, and last year over 27% of our staff were pastors. Even Bishop Gordy serves on staff. 

Registration is now open. For more information, registration, and necessary forms, visit the Southeastern Synod Young Adult and Youth Ministry webpage.

When God Whispers Your Name

On April 12-14, 2013, come to Lutheranch and join the Southeastern Synod Project Connect Team for a quiet reflective weekend away from the busyness of life. When God Whispers Your Name is a free discernment retreat for young adults, ages 18 to 30. Plan on taking a look within yourself to see how God has created you to serve in this world. Hear stories from peers about God's whispers to them. Learn about rostered ministry in the ELCA! It's all free - you just have to get to Tallapoosa, Georgia! If you're looking to discern God's whispers in your life, visit the Southeastern Synod Young Adult and Youth Ministry webpage for more information and the registration form. 
 
Affirm Video
 
Keep watching the Southeastern Synod Young Adult and Youth Ministry webpage for this year's Affirm video, to be posted soon. 

Opportunities at Lutheridge + Lutherock Ministries

Standing on the Promise for Lutheranch Congregation Leader Training

 

To fund the construction of the Lutheranch camp and conference center, Standing on the Promise seeks to raise $4.9 million in gifts from individuals, families, congregations, and foundations across the Southeastern Synod. On February 2, 2013, Standing on the Promise will offer two Congregational Leader Training sessions for those who will engage congregations in giving. The training will take place at the Lutheranch Holy Trinity House at 333 McGinnis Road, Tallapoosa, GA 30176. There are two different training time opportunities so that you can choose the one that works best for you. The first training session will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and the second from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

 Refreshments will be served and materials will be provided for each congregation. Please RSVP to Libby Bedenbaugh at [email protected] or by cell phone at 803-940-6523. 

  

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Summertime Programs and Events

 

 

 

Registration for the summer of 2013 at Lutheridge + Lutherock + Luther Springs is now open! Be sure to check out the exciting new programs and opportunities to save on your camp fee!

 

Here are links to all the information you'll need to make the summer of 2013 one you'll never forget:
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Faith Alive! at Lutheridge: Campfirmation Retreats for Youth (Grades 5-10)

Unique curriculum uses experiential learning to leave lasting lessons. Lutheridge staff provides supervision for campers, staying in cabins with them and sharing their unique and faithful witness. Campers can come alone or with a group. Lessons are geared to middle school, but 5th grade and high school youth are welcome to attend. (Campers will be placed in cabin groups by age so older/younger youth will be together.) Adult leaders are welcome and encouraged to participate, but not required to attend. Each camper creates a "witness" to share learning back home. The program design and oversight are by Pastors Mary and Tim Canniff-Kuhn, with involvement from others.

 

FEBRUARY 15-17 

Holy Baptism: This retreat teaches the centrality of sacrament in Lutheran worship. Youth will experience baptism as the sacrament of belonging. We are God's forever! (Wilderness Cabins)


Holy Communion:  The sacrament of Communion takes on deeper meaning as the meal of forgiveness, nourishment and community, central to Lutheran worship. (Lakeside Cottages)

 

APRIL 19-21 

Ten Commandments: Youth learn the Ten Commandments using pictures and stories that make their meaning relevant right now in an adolescent's life. (Wilderness Cabins)


 Reformation: Luther's life and reformation principles inspire youth to continue the reforming tradition by asking questions and keeping faith alive today!  (Lakeside Cottages)

 

For more information or to register, visit the LLMI website

 

Lutheran Volunteer Corps Highlight
Reprinted with permission from Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
 
Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) unites full-time stipended volunteers with financial supporters, non-profit organizations and ministries to work for peace with justice across the nation. In addition to working for justice, LVC Volunteers live together in intentional household communities to encourage simple, sustainable living.  Learn more at the Lutheran Volunteer Corps website.
 
Meet Constance Mithelman 


Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa

College: Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. 
 
Double major: Religion and Women's & Gender Studies

Placement: Teacher's Assistant at the International Community School in Decatur
 
Living Simply and In Community

Living Simply is all about deciphering what I really need vs. what I might need, in terms of how to live out my call to serve this year in particular and for the rest of my life as a Child of God. Our lives are so full of noise and distractions that we often have trouble hearing, seeing, and acting upon our God-given vocations. I am using this year and LVC's principle of Living Simple to listen and decipher where, how, and in what capacity God is calling me, Constance Mithelman, Child of God.

When it comes to living in community, there is both a micro and macro notion to it. I am living in community with 4 to 10 other people (i.e. the fellow Atlanta LVC members in my house and the Hosea Williams house), all of whom see and feel a need to love and serve our neighbors. However, I am also in community with the Reynoldstown neighborhood where I live, as well as with the students and families I serve as a part of the staff at the International Community School. I also use the principle of Living Simply to be in community with all of God's creation, and to see how my thoughts, words, and actions can affect the people and world around me.... 

Click here to read more about Constance Mithelman, Lutheran Volunteer. 

Upcoming MLK Day Opportunities

As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day rapidly approaches, here are some opportunities for commemoration and service throughout the Southeastern Synod. 

Lutheran Day of Service in Clarkston, GA

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that all citizens had the power - and the responsibility - to create a better world by putting into action the principles of love, tolerance, and service to others. On the Lutheran Day of Service, we have the opportunity to transform his life and teachings into action and help change our community for the better. 

This year, the Lutheran community of metro Atlanta and the Clarkston Community Center are partnering to help make Dr. King's vision of a nation free from injustice, discrimination, and hate a reality. Together, we will serve some of the most vulnerable individuals in contemporary society - refugees. Clarkston, GA has one of the highest concentrations of refugees in the U.S. Refugees come to our country having faced violence, terrorism, and war yet maintain a spirit of optimism and resilience that serves as an example to us all. 

Your congregation is invited to serve on MLK Day 2013 by sending a team of volunteers to participate in the Lutheran Day of Service to benefit refugees resettled by Lutheran Services of Georgia. This year's Day of Service will take place on January 21, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clarkston Community Center (3701 College Ave, Clarkston, GA 30021). Opportunities for service include:
  • Sorting and packaging rice for refugee families
  • Sorting and packaging pots and pans for refugee families
  • Cleaning up the neighborhood surrounding the Clarkston Community Center
  • Distributing and sorting incoming book donations for the children of Clarkston
All volunteers are strongly encouraged to bring one or more of the following items to the Day of Service: a bag of rice of any size; pots, pans, or other flatware; new children's books. To help coordinate service opportunities, volunteers are asked to register in advance online here

Congregations are also encouraged to for reflection and worship, either before or after serving with us. Congregational resources for preparation, worship, reflection, or organizing your own MLK Day of Service project are available here.

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Worship and Sing at the MLK Celebration Service


On Sunday, January 20, 2013, join us for this year's special MLK service of worship and celebration. The Celebration Service will bring Lutherans together to remember MLK's vision of justice and inclusive, beloved community. The service will begin at 3:00 pm at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 3099 Chapel Hill Rd in Douglasville, GA, 30135. As a part of your offering, please considering bringing bags of rice that will be used for the Lutheran Day of Service. All rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. Red is the color of the day. 

Also, if you are interested in being part of a Mass Choir for the MLK workship service, please contact Randy Stephens at (678) 639-4477 or Bernice Bland at (404) 294-9247. Tentative rehearsal dates are Saturday, 1 to 2:30 pm on January 12, 2013 and January 19, 1 to 2:30 pm, both at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3099 Chapel Hill Rd, Douglasville, GA 30135.

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The House I Live In:

The House I Live In is a 2012 Sundance Award winning film on the consequences of America's failed drug war and the injustices of the current criminal justice system. In January of 2013, Charlotte Street Films and Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference are inviting high schools and faith communities to host screenings of this film as part of a national day of education. Click here to view the trailer or to learn about how your congregation can host a screening

Around the Synod

 

Free to Be -- Free to Do

By Justin Marx (Cross of Life in Roswell, GA)

 

From left to right: Justin Marx (Cross of Life, Roswell GA), Jessica Morton (Epiphany, Conyers GA), and a friend they made at the event.

Project Connect, an organization designed by the ELCA to develop young adult's leadership skills as they discern where God is calling them to go in life, recently held a service learning vocational retreat in Washington DC. The theme of the retreat "Free To Be - Free To Do" was a guideline for the participants who learned about themselves and others. Lutherans from all over the East Coast of the United States met to discover God's call together.

  

Upon gathering, we were introduced to the leaders and participants from New York to Puerto Rico at Washington Theological Union. Throughout the entire retreat we heard call stories from pastors and other members of the community who fulfill their call by doing the job that God has put before them. Hearing the call stories of others touched me because I was able to learn what other people have gone through in their life and relate their experiences to mine and where I am in my life. After we heard stories of inspiration, we had the opportunity to learn about the gentrification and the homeless efforts by ELCA in Washington DC. Hearing the stories of how the homeless had come into their situations and how the ELCA was doing so much for the people here was motivating.....

 

 

 

Read more of Justin's reflections on Project Connect and discernment on our blog

  

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Faith Cleveland Conducts A Random Act of Kindness Campaign

 

During December the members of Faith Lutheran (Cleveland GA) instituted a special
outreach program for local residents of Northeast Georgia. One hundred handouts
consisting of the following items were placed as Random Acts of Kindness:


-A custom-designed Faith Identification refrigerator magnet
-A $5 gift card to any Ingles Supermarket

-The Christian Legend of the Candy Cane with accompanying candy
-A personal invitation to attend Faith's Christmas Eve service

The acceptance by the handout recipients was overwhelmingly positive, ranging from a generous "thank you" to tearful gratitude. The expressed benefit experienced by the congregation participants was indeed a blessing in itself.

With the assurance of the Holy Spirit, we know these random acts of sowing seeds will produce, in due time, good fruits in our Lord's Kingdom. 

 

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Nordic Choir to Perform in Athens, GA

 

Luther College Nordic Choir, one of the top college choirs in the nation, will present a concert at 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at the University of Georgia Performing Art Centers: Hodgson Concert Hall, 230 River Road, Athens, GA. Conducted by Allen Hightower, the choir will perform sacred choral works. 

 

Tickets cost $15 for the general public and $5 for students. To purchase tickets, visit  www.pac.uga.edu or call 706-542-4400.

 

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Forum on Ecumenical Dialogue

 

You are invited to a special adult forum at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta, on Sunday, January 27 at 9:00 a.m. The Rev. Lowell G. Almen, former secretary of the ELCA, will discuss the U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Ecumenical Dialogue. Pastor Almen was one of the co-chairs of Round XI of the dialogue, which focused on "The Hope of Eternal Life." Come hear what the dialogue discussed about such topics as purgatory, prayers for the dead, judgement, and eternal life. You are also welcome to stay for worship and fellowship hour following the forum.

  

 

Around the Globe

 

How We Work: Haiti

A story from ELCA Disaster Response, featured in LifeLines

 

  Haiti is one of the places where ELCA World Hunger and ELCA Disaster Response come together to address relief and sustainable development both before and after the devastating 2010 earthquake. Members and friends of the ELCA gave generously to support our church's response to the earthquake in Haiti and continued to give in 2011.

 

In 2011, the second year of a long-term plan, ELCA Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger and our companion, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti, worked together with trusted partners to promote change with and among the people of Haiti. 

 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti, led by its president, The Rev. Joseph Livenson Lauvanus, stepped into the forefront of the fight against cholera, a parasitic disease carried by contaminated water. The church hired, trained and sent outreach workers to teach more than 40,000 families in two regions how to prevent cholera and to seek help when someone is sick. Medical professionals treated those who were infected, saving more than 800 lives. The church distributed cleaning and preventative supplies and systematically decontaminated areas where the bacteria might be present. Thanks to your gifts to ELCA Disaster Response, lives were not only changed, they were saved. 

 

The church's next step will address the root causes of cholera infection through a water and sanitation program that will ensure clean drinking water for vulnerable families. This project will be supported by ELCA World Hunger.

Haiti 
CIA World Factbook

In Gressier, ELCA Disaster Response, working through The Lutheran World Federation, planned and began building Bois Bocot, a model resettlement village. It will include 200 solar-powered homes with indoor plumbing, a "green" sanitation system and community space that includes a playground and community center. Households led by women and people living with disabilities will lead an association to manage her village's common assets and encourage the participation of all involved. 

 

The village project will not only provide new homes for those without homes but also work opportunities for the students of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti Vocational Training Center, also in Gressier.

 

With support from ELCA Disaster Response, the Vocational Training Center offers an 18-month program for classes of 40 live-in students. These young men and women are learning skilled building trades, including carpentry, masonry and heavy machinery operation and repair, along with leadership and citizenship training. The goal of the center is to raise up not only trained professionals whose skills will be in demand for years to come but also productive citizens and future leaders.

 

As Pastor Lauvanus says, "We Haitians will not be defined by the rubble, but by restoration, for we are a people of the resurrection." 

 

Read more ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Response stories on the ELCA website

 

View the entire Synod Calendar

 

Jan 18-19

Synod Council Meeting

Grayson, GA

 

Jan 20

MLK Worship and Celebration Service

Douglasville, GA

 

Jan 21

Lutheran MLK Day of Service

Clarkston, GA

 

Jan 24-27

ELCA Youthworkers Extravaganza 

Anaheim, CA

 

Feb 1-2

Affirm Administrative Staff Meeting

 

Feb 9

Alassippi Youth Gathering

Jackson, MS

 

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